Pulmonary Effects of Polyvinyl Chloride Dust Exposure on Compounding Workers

Spirometry, chest radiography, environmental measurements, and a questionnaire on respiratory symptoms were used to evaluate the effects of exposure to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) dust on 171 Chinese and Malay PVC compounding workers in comparison with an unexposed reference group. Workers with high cu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment ＆ Health Environment ＆ Health, 1991-02, Vol.17 (1), p.53-59
Main Authors: Ng, Tze Pin, Lee, Hock Siang, Low, Yong Meng, Phoon, Wai Hoong, Ng, Yuen Ling
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Air Pollutants, Occupational - adverse effects
Chlorides
Cigarette smoking
Factories
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lung - diagnostic imaging
Lung - physiopathology
Lungs
Male
Occupational Exposure - adverse effects
Opacity
Pneumoconiosis - etiology
Polyvinyl Chloride - adverse effects
Radiography
Radiology
Respiratory Mechanics
Respiratory symptoms
Surveys and Questionnaires
Vinyl polymers
Vital Capacity
Wheezing
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Summary:Spirometry, chest radiography, environmental measurements, and a questionnaire on respiratory symptoms were used to evaluate the effects of exposure to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) dust on 171 Chinese and Malay PVC compounding workers in comparison with an unexposed reference group. Workers with high cumulative PVC dust exposure had a lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced vital capacity, and a higher prevalence of radiological profusion of small opacities. Wheezing or chest tightness was also significantly more frequent in this group. Unlike previous studies, the PVC compounding workers in this study were exposed to only negligible amounts, if any, of vinyl chloride monomer or thermal degradation products of PVC such as hydrogen chloride, phosgene, or chlorine. The conclusion was drawn that a low grade of pneumoconiosis and a small degree of lung function impairment is associated with PVC dust exposure. Reversible airways obstruction is also likely and warrants further investigation.
ISSN:0355-3140
1795-990X
DOI:10.5271/sjweh.1734